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Yesterday, during a miraculous 30 minute session of sitting still at the beach, I fired off this short little post about Beach Pros and Cons….as I was contemplating which beach is “best” for my boys (ummm….and me).

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As a start to a series highlighting local shops in Manchester, Christian del Rosario at Surfari agreed to be the first victim!

I have wondered for some time, how is it a surf shop can survive in New England, let alone Manchester by the Sea. What I have been learning is the incredible appeal of SUP or Stand Up Paddle boarding. As Christian says paddle boards have become the bicycles of water enthusiasts who can purchase racing models, cruising models and boards built for beginners. Manchester with it’s relatively flat waters, islands to visit and proximity to lakes has been perfect. The chances to exercise, explore hard to reach places, enjoy touring and for some explore yoga on a board and even fish are all around Manchester. Taken to the extreme there are organized races and SUP has even started to appear in rivers running rapids!

The surf market is also strong in the area and Christian says that the season is getting underway now. Storm waves that surfers pray for are stronger in the winter months and the season really extends from October to April.

Surfari sells surf boards, paddle boards, shoes, clothing, beach wear, water sport accessories, sunglasses and gifts. Many items are perfect as boating accessories as well. Boards can be rented and lessons can be scheduled. They have sun shirts (AKA “Rash guards” for those on boards), and other sun protection items. They also have cold weather equipment for those surfers braving the ocean at this time of year.

In addition to lessons and working with the Manchester Parks and Recreation department, Surfari provides programs for adults and children from May to October. Anyone, not just Manchester residents, can participate in these programs so there are many ways to learn and enjoy SUP boarding.

Christian, his wife Nicole and two daughters have returned to Christian’s home town of Manchester after 13 years away. He has specialized in surfing and paddle boards and most recently was in Nantucket where he sold boards and provided lessons. Opening a retail store in Manchester looked like a great opportunity to expand from selling boards to clothing, accessories and all the other items they now sell.

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I printed this from a very old glass negative. I think the women and children are there to do more than wave and say welcome home. They’ll be transporting the fish to market and home to eat. Where do you think this is?

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I am sure all the pups out there are excited to get back on the beaches and play in the waves. Here’s a video from Saturday of my Coconut, catching drift wood, in the tide pools of Wingaersheek.

Unfortunately, she got a big boo boo on her foot yesterday and will not be able to run free on the beaches for at least 2 weeks. The great team at Cape Ann Veterinary Hospital took good care of her, so I am sure she will heal real fast and be back to her old self soon enough.

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Here’s a video I just received from my dog walker, Jen Nicol aka The Fairy Dog Ma. I love the pictures and videos she sends to show how much fun Coconut has while I’m stuck at work. This video she took on her iPhone and used the Qik VideoCamera application to create the effect.

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When we were kids, we walked every day to the beach. The end toward the landing was the city-owned public beach. You had to walk through a ton of seaweed to get to clear water. Still the same now. When I put my kayak in now, the memories of “Stinky Beach” come right back! —Sharon

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Free GMG Gloucester Sticker

As long as supplies last if any GMG folks want a bumper sticker but can't drop down the dock, just send a self addressed and stamped envelope longer then 7 and a half inches and I'll drop one in the mail for you.

Send the self addressed and stamped envelope to the dock at 95 East Main St Gloucester Ma 01930 care of Joey (put my name in big letters to make sure it gets to me)

Free GMG Gloucester Sticker

As long as supplies last if any GMG folks want a bumper sticker but can't drop down the dock, just send a self addressed and stamped envelope longer then 7 and a half inches and I'll drop one in the mail for you.

Send the self addressed and stamped envelope to the dock at 95 East Main St Gloucester Ma 01930 care of Joey (put my name in big letters to make sure it gets to me)